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Delta Police Arrest 13 Suspected Black Axe Cultists, Recover Firearms in Forest Raid

Published

1 month ago

December 23, 2025

Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright,

Delta Police Arrest 13 Suspected Black Axe Cultists, Recover Firearms in Forest Raid

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of 13 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, during a tactical operation in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out in the Ekraka Community forest, Kokori, following credible intelligence on a planned cult initiation ceremony. Confirming the development, the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, said the raid took place on December 20, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m.

According to Edafe, the operation was led by SP Collins Achem, Commander of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), who deployed officers in a strategic and coordinated manner. Upon arrival at the location, the suspects reportedly engaged the police team in a gun duel in a bid to escape.

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Despite the resistance, police operatives successfully overpowered and arrested 13 suspects, while several others fled into the forest.

A search of the area led to the recovery of multiple dangerous weapons and incriminating items, including two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrelled cut-to-size gun, one single-barrelled cut-to-size gun, a battle axe, aprons bearing the “NBM” insignia, cut razor blades, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.

The police also recovered seven vehicles believed to belong to members of the cult group, which were subsequently towed to the QRS Base in Warri.

Edafe said the suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual roles, dismantle the criminal network, and track down fleeing members of the syndicate.

He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism and violent crime, stressing that the operation highlights the police’s commitment to ensuring public safety across Delta State.

The spokesman called on parents, schools, community leaders, religious institutions, and youths to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to aid security agencies.

Delta Police Arrest 13 Suspected Black Axe Cultists, Recover Firearms in Forest Raid

Related Topics:Black Axe Cultists firearms

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

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During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

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Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed by suspected bandits in the Wawa community of Borgu Local Government Area, intensifying concerns over the growing security crisis in rural Niger State.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

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Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen security operations, while experts warn that continued attacks threaten socioeconomic stability, displace local populations, and erode confidence in local law enforcement.

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

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DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

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The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS have remained unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.